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Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Nicotine and Metabolites, Serum
Synonym(s)

Cotinine; Tobacco Alkaloids
Test ID
NICOS
General Information

Useful for monitoring tobacco use
Specimen Type

Serum
Specimen Requirements

Red Top
Minimum Sample Volume

0.5 mL
Stability

  • Refrigerated (preferred): 28 days

  • Ambient: 28 days

  • Frozen: 28 days
Limitations

Knowledge of time elapsed between last dose and specimen collection is important for interpretation of test results
Methodology

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Estimated TAT

2-4 days
Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday
Test Includes

  • Nicotine

  • Cotinine
Retention

2 weeks
CPT Code(s)

80323
Reference Range

  • NICOTINE: <3.0 ng/mL

  • COTININE: <3.0 ng/mL
Performing Lab

Mayo
LOINC Code(s)

3853-9, 10365-5
Additional Information